Abstract: A device for supplying a shielding gas to a welding torch, the device including a cylinder 1 for holding the shielding gas, a valve operatively connected to the cylinder for selectively permitting flow of gas from the cylinder, a regulator for controlling the pressure of the gas flow from the cylinder, and a guard assembly 2 coupled to the cylinder 1 and adapted to protect the valve and regulator from external forces, wherein a flow meter 4 incorporated into the guard assembly 2, the flow meter being adapted to receive the nozzle 5 of a welding torch and measure the flow rate of the gas therein.

Abstract: A device for supplying a shielding gas to a welding torch, the device including a cylinder 1 for holding the shielding gas, a valve operatively connected to the cylinder for selectively permitting flow of gas from the cylinder, a regulator for controlling the pressure of the gas flow from the cylinder, and a guard assembly 2 coupled to the cylinder 1 and adapted to protect the valve and regulator from external forces, wherein a flow meter 4 incorporated into the guard assembly 2, the flow meter being adapted to receive the nozzle 5 of a welding torch and measure the flow rate of the gas therein.

Abstract: A gas cylinder valve has a permanent coating of a solid lubricant on at least one of its internal frictional surfaces. The solid lubricant consists of or comprises tungsten disulfide. For example, the frictional surfaces of the upper spindle 10 and lower spindle 12 are provided with such a permanent coating. So are the surfaces that rub against the lower spindle 12 and upper spindle 10 when these are translated by turning the handwheel 8 of the gas cylinder valve.

Abstract: A cylinder valve includes: a single valve member in the form of a spring loaded shuttle, the spring exerting a pressure on the shuttle in a valve-closing direction; a valve seat against which the valve member bears in its valve-closing position; a guide defining a channel in which the shuttle is able to travel; a stop member able to be translated in the channel into and out of a position in which the stop member holds the valve member in its valve-closing position; and a valve body which is engaged by the guide, the guide being able to be translated into a position in which the shuttle cannot be brought to bear against the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve guard assembly for a gas cylinder has a mounting collar 2 which is adapted to fit around and to engage the neck of the gas cylinder. The mounting collar 2 has an outer surface 6 in which there is an endless first coupling member in the form of a circumferential slot 8. A valve guard 10 has an integral coupling ring 12 with a second coupling member in the form of an endless inward projection 14 engageable with the circumferential slot 8. A means for acting against disengagement of the first and second coupling members is provided. This means takes the form of a locking band 30.

Abstract: A valve for use with an ultra high purity gas comprising a valve body defining a valve chamber having a valve outlet through which gas is discharged and containing a reciprocable sealing member, characterized in that the valve chamber is in fluid communication with a source of the gas and in that the sealing member is reciprocable along an axis substantially parallel to the direction of flow of gas discharged from the valve outlet and into and out of sealing contact with a sealing face located within the valve chamber and circumscribing the inlet end of a valve outlet pipe, the opposite, outlet end of which pipe forms the valve outlet. The valve has a low wetted area and is thus easy to purge, and the valve design both reduces wear and restricts it to a single component which is easily replaced when necessary.

Abstract: A pressure reduction valve 2 includes a piston 12, a pressure regulating sub-chamber 50 and a movable means, preferably in the form of a second piston 12', which is activated by a filling nozzle 70 to prevent the flow of fluid between an inlet 8 and the regulating sub-chamber 50 thereby to allow the flow of fluid through the valve between an outlet 10 and an inlet 8. This allows a cylinder to be filled whilst the pressure reduction valve 2 is in situ.